Police remove car over similarity to one used in attack

- Dec. 13, 2019 06:44 AM EST

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — The Charlottesville Police Department is taking a Dodge Challenger out of service because of its similarity to the car used in a fatal attack during a 2017 white supremacist rally.

The city announced the decision in a news release Thursday.

City Manager Tarron Richardson said the vehicle was “clearly a reminder” of the attack, which killed Heather Heyer and left dozens more injured. He says the city believes removing it from the fleet is in the best interests of the community.

The news release says the decision was reached after questions were raised on social media and by the community.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger was purchased as a used vehicle for $20,976 on in January 2018. The city says it will be “disposed of” by the end of the current fiscal year.